BORIS TAKES THE HONOURS!

Elsom's remarkable rise rewarded with Greene King Level Head Green Jacket

Despite a difficult afternoon for Hoddesdon Cricket Club's 4th XI against league leaders Harlow Town 3rd XI, there was still plenty to celebrate after the match as George "Boris" Elsom was named the latest recipient of the prestigious Greene King Level Head Green Jacket award. Elsom's excellent bowling display in the face of a formidable batting performance from the visitors earned him the club's weekly individual honour, recognising the standout performance across all four senior Saturday sides.

While Harlow ultimately claimed a convincing 209-run victory at Thundridge after posting 272 all out, Boris emerged from the contest with enormous credit after producing one of the most impressive spells of the afternoon. The bowler claimed figures of 3 for 55 from his eight overs, removing Kapil Nath, Jack Margetts and Roger Taylor against a side that currently sits proudly at the summit of Division 4.

Back at Lowfield following the day's cricket, Elsom was presented with the coveted Green Jacket by his captain, Nirosh Perera, in front of teammates and club members. It was a fitting moment for a player whose journey at Hoddesdon perfectly demonstrates the value of hard work, persistence and commitment.

Boris Is Presented With The Green Jacket By Nirosh Perera

For many supporters, Boris has become one of the most recognisable figures around the club. His distinctive mop of blonde hair has earned him his now-famous nickname due to a striking resemblance to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, but behind the playful nickname lies a player who has worked tirelessly to improve his game. When Elsom first arrived at Hoddesdon, he was initially brought in simply to help make up numbers when player availability was stretched. Like many grassroots clubs, Hoddesdon relies on people willing to put their hand up and represent the club whenever needed, and Boris answered that call. What has happened since is a testament to his dedication. Rather than being content simply turning up on a Saturday, Elsom threw himself into club life. Training sessions became a regular feature of his week. He listened to coaches, sought advice from experienced players and gradually developed every aspect of his game.

The improvement has been clear for all to see.

Week after week, Boris has become a more reliable bowler, a more confident cricketer and an increasingly important member of the 4th XI setup. His performances this season have reflected that progress, and Saturday's Green Jacket award felt like a deserved recognition of everything he has put into his cricket.

Against Harlow, opportunities for bowlers were difficult to come by. The league leaders showed exactly why they occupy top spot as they amassed 272 runs, helped by an outstanding unbeaten 130 from James Shearman. Yet while the scoreboard told a story of Harlow dominance, Elsom continued to battle throughout his spell.

His dismissal of Kapil Nath broke an important partnership, while further wickets for Jack Margetts and Roger Taylor ensured Hoddesdon kept fighting throughout the innings. At a time when heads could easily have dropped, Boris continued to compete and ask questions of the opposition batters. His figures of 3 for 55 were the second-best return among the Hoddesdon bowlers and played a major role in him securing the award.

George Grabbed 3 Wickets For The 4th XI

Captain Nirosh Perera was delighted to see one of his most committed players receive recognition.

"George thoroughly deserves this award," said Perera.

"Everyone at the club knows how hard he works. He never misses training if he can help it, he always wants to learn and improve, and he gives absolutely everything whenever he pulls on a Hoddesdon shirt. Saturday wasn't an easy day for any of our bowlers. Harlow are top of the league for a reason and they batted extremely well. Boris kept going throughout his spell and picked up three important wickets against a very strong batting line-up."

"More importantly, he's become someone the team can rely on. Not long ago he came in to help us out when we needed players. Now he's one of the first names you think about when putting together a side. That's a brilliant achievement and everyone was really pleased to see him receive the Green Jacket."

Head of Cricket Louis Purves echoed those sentiments and highlighted Boris as an example of what Hoddesdon Cricket Club is all about.

"George's story is a fantastic one," said Purves.

"Grassroots cricket is built on players like Boris. He's embraced everything the club offers, committed himself to improving and has been rewarded through hard work. Not every Green Jacket winner scores a hundred or takes a five-for. Sometimes the award is about recognising effort, improvement and someone who has stood up for their team in difficult circumstances. George absolutely ticks all of those boxes. He bowled really well against the strongest team in the division and his three wickets were thoroughly deserved. More importantly, he's become a hugely valued member of the club."

" George is sometimes known as the class clown but he takes it all in his stride and embraces his role in club life. He keeps everyone smiling, whether that's in the dressing room, on the pitch, or falling out of Jungle Bar in Hertford at 3am, and you have to give him credit for the way he handles himself. He puts himself in the firing line both socially and in a sporting context and he excels at both. I'm very proud of him."

The competition for this week's Green Jacket was particularly strong. Across the club there were numerous standout performances worthy of recognition.

George's teammate Jack Bailey produced an outstanding spell of 4 for 69 against the same powerful Harlow batting order and was strongly considered. For the 2nd XI, Martin Atkinson impressed with figures of 3 for 33 while Bilal Ahmad collected 3 for 43 amid defeat to Old Albanian CC 1st XI.

The 1st XI enjoyed another successful afternoon, with overseas star Himesh Ramanayake agonisingly falling short of a century after scoring a superb 93, while wicketkeeper Will Steward contributed an important 61. The 3rd XI also produced notable performances, with evergreen campaigner Paul Webb rolling back the years with a well-crafted half-century. With so many strong candidates across the club, Boris' selection underlines just how highly his contribution was regarded by those making the decision.

Speaking after receiving the award, Elsom was effervescent.

"It's a really nice surprise," he said.

"There were some brilliant performances across the club this weekend, so I wasn't expecting it at all. I've really enjoyed my time at Hoddesdon and I've learned so much from the coaches, captains and players around me. Everyone has always been supportive and helped me improve. It's been a tough game for us as a team, but hopefully we can learn from it and bounce back next week."

He continued, "This time last year, I couldn't even hold a bat or hold a ball, so it just goes to show that if you turn up to training twice a week, work hard and commit, the rewards are there to be had."

George Elsom

While the result against Harlow will quickly be consigned to the record books, Boris' Green Jacket success represents another positive chapter in a remarkable personal journey. From being drafted in to help make up the numbers to becoming an award-winning performer and a trusted member of the squad, Boris has earned every bit of recognition coming his way.

The weekly Green Jacket award is proudly sponsored by Greene King and their excellent Level Head IPA. The club would like to thank Greene King for their continued support of the initiative, which celebrates outstanding performances and contributions across all senior sides throughout the season.

Greene King Level Head, Available On Draught At Lowfield

This week, despite the disappointment of defeat, there was one very clear winner.

Take a bow, Boris.